The past year has highlighted the importance of home, further emphasizing why it is so critical to prepare for uncertainties — like severe weather.
With spring just around the corner, The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is encouraging homeowners to act now to be thunderstorm ready ahead of spring severe weather to reduce the risk of costly storm damage.
To help, the nonprofit has updated its Thunderstorm Ready guide with new projects based on the latest scientific testing at its state-of-the-art Research Center in Richburg, South Carolina.
The new guidance builds on recommendations from a decade of full-scale lab testing and field research for home improvement projects at an array of price points, including low- and no-cost ideas, to prepare and protect against high winds, heavy rain, hail and even tornadoes.
“Contrary to popular belief, homeowners are not powerless against severe weather,” Dr. Anne Cope P.E. and Chief Engineer at IBHS said. “In fact, even small actions can help reduce property damage. Coupling simple home improvements with ongoing home maintenance gives families the best protection from spring weather events, which wreak havoc year after year.”
Thunderstorm Ready recommends projects to tackle today and lastminute actions to take when severe weather is in the forecast, as well as tips for when it is time for larger home repairs, to help ensure your home performs better in powerful storms.
Start now with the following:
Select a wind-rated garage door
Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of the home in high winds. Wind can push a garage door inward, allowing pressure to push up on the roof and surrounding walls causing structural damage to the entire home. Wind-rated garage doors have been tested to withstand these pressures. If you’re not sure whether your garage door is wind-rated it’s best to purchase a new one labeled to